my old DJ blog continues to serve as a sort of scrapbook /
also check out: www.threadmakesblanket.com

8.17.2011

Reading in Pittsburgh! August 28th

As part of my residency here, I have a public reading on August 28th. I will be reading a story and a short selection from the novel-in-progress I've been working on. The fabulous Adriana Ramirez will be reading too. I am excited to team up with her for this event though I am shooting myself in the foot a bit since she is a professional and talented performer. I know, I've seen it.

The Cyberpunk Apocalypse Writer-in-Residence Program and Justseeds present:Readings byMarissa Johnson-ValenzuelaandAdriana RamirezSUNDAY, August 28th, 20116:30pm3410 Penn AvePittsburgh, PAlight snacks and refreshments will be providedthe store will be open starting at 2pm-- arrive early to check out the lovely art and merchandise, including an exhibit by artist Thea Gahrcome around back to the second floor entrance

Marissa Johnson-Valenzuela is Pittsburgh's Cyberpunk Apocalypse writer-in-residence for the month of August. She is a 2005 recipient of a Leeway Transformation Award. Marissa is a co-founder of Thread Makes Blanket, a small press out of Philadelphia. The first two publications, including Letter from Tombs Prison, 1917 which features work from Justseeds artists Mary Tremonte and Shaun Slifer are carried by Just Seeds and will be available for purchase. The night before this reading, she will be DJing with Mary and Project Sappho on a mythical and yet very real toxic island. Marissa lives in Philadelphia.

Adriana Ramirez, nonfiction writer and performance poet, has over fifteen years experience in theater, spoken word, and advocacy. Once ranked the 26th slam poet in the world (iwps 2006), she helped found and co-hosted the Latino/Indigenous Showcase at the National Poetry Slam; she now hosts the Steel City Slam in Pittsburgh. Her poems and writings have appeared on the internet, on subway station walls, and occasionally, on pieces of dead wood. She love technology and refreshments—mineral water, limes, and cheap Mexican food. Adriana lives in Pittsburgh, where she is writing a book about her death fantasies, Colombia, and the way we tell stories around violence. She roots for el tricolor in the World Cup.Adriana teaches at The University of Pittsburgh.

Adriana and Marissa first met when Adri was presenting at AWP in New York City, but more officially met when they both attended VONA, an annual workshop for writers of color in the bay area. Yep-- this is national.